The Kripke Legend award recognizes scientific and medical leaders who have made extraordinary efforts to hire a diverse workforce, promote women to leadership roles, nominate women for awards and otherwise advance their careers. The award was established in honor of Margaret Kripke, Ph.D., a distinguished scientist who achieved many firsts for women at M. D. Anderson, culminating in her promotion to executive vice president and chief academic officer.

M. D. Anderson's Women Faculty Programs Office, which Kripke established before her retirement to improve recruitment, retention and development of women faculty, administers the award.

Foti was selected by an expert committee from among 25 nominees nationally. Foti has been chief executive officer of AACR, the world's oldest and largest cancer professional organization, since 1982. She co-founded Women in Cancer Research (WICR), a group within AACR that supports the professional advancement and scientific achievements of women. WICR is open to men and women.

"Margaret Foti has never been shy about using her position to promote women in every way within the organization," said Elizabeth Travis, Ph.D., associate vice president for Women Faculty Programs at M. D. Anderson. "Her efforts are seen in the diversity of her workforce and the development of Women in Cancer Research. As one of her nominators noted, Dr. Foti 'has made a difference in the fight against cancer and is committed to helping other women do the same and to ensuring they get credit for their endeavors.'"

"This award is very special to me because I believe so strongly that we need to recognize the achievements that women have made to science and encourage the next generation of young women interested in careers in cancer research," Foti said. "I am very proud of the AACR's long history of advancing the cause of women in science. From the beginning, women have been very involved in our organization and have made many wonderful contributions over the years. Supporting their efforts is a top priority for me individually and for the AACR. It is really a tremendous honor to receive this award named after one of the true pioneers in this area."

Foti started at AACR as editorial assistant for the journal Cancer Research. She was promoted four years later, becoming the youngest managing editor of a major scientific journal in the United States. After progressing through several management roles, Foti was named the first chief executive officer of the AACR.

Under her leadership, AACR has grown on all fronts. The association has added five journals, increased membership to 29,000 professionals and added 24 annual scientific meetings to its agenda. Throughout her career, Foti has strived to increase awareness of AACR and educate others of the latest discoveries made by scientists from all over the world.

Kripke's Legend

"Margaret Kripke has always been the strongest and most vocal advocate for women within M. D. Anderson and outside the institution," Travis said. "It was only fitting to name the award for her because she's accomplished so many firsts and pioneered the way for younger scientists."

Kripke is now special advisor to the provost at M. D. Anderson, capping a career with the institution that began in 1983 as professor and chair in the Department of Immunology. She was the first woman to chair a department, the first to advance to senior vice president and chief academic officer, and then to executive vice president and chief academic officer. Throughout her career, Kripke has been a committed mentor to up-and-coming women scientists and is considered a positive role model for those in cancer science and medicine, Travis said.

Kripke's pioneering research includes understanding the impact of ultraviolet radiation on skin cancer and developing photoimmunology, the study of light's impact on the immune system. Her accomplishments and leadership earned her appointment to the three-person President's Cancer Panel by President George W. Bush.

"By recognizing people who've made great strides to promote women, I expect this subject to become more visible and encourage others to contribute," Travis said. "Hopefully, this will inspire others to hire diverse workforces and initiate programs that the award recipients have implemented within their organizations."